Community Educational Resources

Community Education

Gavilan College Community Education provides lifelong learning opportunities to the residents of the Gavilan Joint Community College District. The program is committed to providing new avenues for all ages in personal development, skill improvement, cultural enrichment and recreational enjoyment.

The program does not receive state or local tax support. Fees are charged so that the program can be self supporting.

Classes and activities are offered in addition to the college's traditional instructional program. They include such short-term offerings as computer skills, motorcycle training, health and fitness, digital media, College for Kids and more. Many classes are offered online. Go to www.gavilan.edu/ce for more information.

Contract Education

Contract Education provides local businesses and their employees with customized professional training at the business’ site or ours. Training is scheduled and structured to meet the individual business’ needs. For more information on this high quality, affordable training go to www.gavilan.edu/ce.

Gavilan College Educational Foundation (GCEF)

This nonprofit organization exists to raise money and enhance community support for college programs, often generating private support for needs which cannot be met through the general fund. GCEF raises money for student scholarships, which are distributed each year at a Scholarship Awards Ceremony. In recent years, they have brought in sponsorships and raised money for athletics and the Puente program through Golf Tournaments, Casino Nights, an annual Dinner-Dance, and other events.

Small Business Development Center

Gavilan College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was established to meet the specialized needs of the small business community of the Gavilan College District, including Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Benito County and Monterey County (east of the Salinas River).

SBDC provides quality management and technical assistance for small businesses in order to support the success of our entrepreneurs, economic growth and prosperity for the local and regional economy.

Services provided include business consulting, training, financial assistance, referrals, an extensive library and workshops and conferences (Nominal fees may be charged)

SBDC is located at 8351 Church St., Bldg. E, Gilroy, CA 95020. Call (408) 847-0373 or (800) 847-0373 for more information or visit the center’s website at www.gavilansbdc.org.

Noncredit Program

Noncredit courses are offerings designed to meet the special needs and capabilities of those students who do not desire or need to obtain unit credit. These courses provide remedial, developmental, occupational and other general education opportunities. These courses and programs are further defined categorically under the Education Code, Section 84711, whereby state funding is authorized for nine specific categories.

Older Adults Program - This program offers special interest courses to adults 55 and older. Most of our courses will take place at the older adult facilities to ensure positive enrollment and convenience for students.

Staff Wellness Program - This program is geared toward meeting the needs of working adults. Courses are open to all staff members and the community.

All courses are free of charge. There are no tests, no quizzes and no letter grades. Registration will take place in the Admissions and Records Office or on site at the first class meeting. Students should contact the Noncredit Office directly with any questions or for further information at (408) 848-4859.

Matriculation Services

Matriculation is a process that enhances student access to California Community Colleges and promotes and sustains the efforts of students to be successful in their educational goals. Noncredit matriculation services include:

• Assessment (English, math skills or career interests)

• Orientation (for noncredit programs and procedures)

• Counseling (to assist students in identifying educational and career goals and developing an appropriate program of study)

Admissions Policy

Anyone 18 years or older can enroll in a noncredit course. Students may enroll in most courses by attending the first class meeting, space permitting and throughout the semester because these courses are designed to be open entry-open exit. Course and program information is published in the Gavilan College Schedule, other publications and through the off-site locations. There are no fees for noncredit courses.

Grading

Grades are not issued for any of the Older Adults, Home Economics, ESL, Parenting that are not vocational/occupational in nature and non high school diploma Transitional Studies.

Courses

A noncredit course is designed to meet the special needs and capabilities of those student populations who do not desire or need to obtain unit credit. These courses provide remedial, developmental, occupational and other general education opportunities. Noncredit courses are offered in the following noncredit categories:

Basic Skills Courses

Instruction in elementary and secondary basic skills and other courses such as remedial academic courses in reading, mathematics and language arts. Instruction serves adults with limited or no formal education, native and non-native speakers of English who wish to improve their basic skills; adults with difficulties in learning; unemployed or displaced workers who lack skills required for entry-level jobs or job training programs; persons referred by mandated programs and adults unable to read, write or compute.

ESL Courses

Courses are designed to meet the needs of students whose first language is other than English. The mission of ESL programs for adults in California is to equip students with the language and cultural proficiencies required for the eventual fulfillment of personal, vocational, academic, and citizenship for participation in American Society.

Health and Safety Courses

Instruction in health and safety are designed to both prolong life and add to the quality of living. Courses in this category emphasize the positive aspects of maintaining physical, mental and emotional well being.

PE 700 Workplace Fitness

Duration: 17 Weeks (85 hours max.)

Method of Instruction: Lab 1-5 Hours Per Week

Course Description: This course is designed as an open entry, open exit class to improve cardio respiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition for the workforce community. Strength and muscular endurance will be developed using the Magnum weight equipment. Cardio respiratory programs will run on treadmills, cycles, stair steppers and elliptical trainers. Students will need to participate in a one hour orientation prior to the first class meeting.

PE 701 Tai Chi for Health

Duration: 18 Weeks (18 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lab 1 Hour

Course Description: This course will introduce the student to the thirty seven posture forms and movements of Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on slow paced coordinated movements that improve balance, coordination, mobility and breathing. The students will also learn how to use this non-contact exercise program to reduce stress in their daily lives.

Home Economics Courses

This category of instruction offers courses that prepare individuals for entry and/or advanced training in home occupational areas. Courses may also be designed to help individuals and families meet the challenges of daily living and develop the resources for lifelong growth.

Immigrants Courses

Courses are provided to persons eligible for educational services in citizenship, English as a Second Language, and work force preparation courses in the basic skills of speaking, listening, reading, writing, mathematics, decision making and problem solving skills, and other courses required for preparation to participate in job-specific training.

Older Adults Courses

Older Adults Courses are designed for individuals that are 55 years and older. These are special interest courses for older adults in the community and are held at a variety of locations throughout the college district. These noncredit courses meet at convenient senior citizen centers and other easily accessible places. Students may register with the course instructor at any time during the semester, space permitting. There is no fee for these courses. Courses that meet in healthcare centers are designed for geriatric adults.

AH 703 Mindful Stress Reduction

Duration: 8 Weeks (20 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lecture 2 ½ Hours

Course Description: This course is designed to offer participants an experiential approach to reducing stress and improving overall well-being by learning and practicing mindful living skills. Using Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques, students will learn practical methods that foster insight and awareness into their own ways of reading stress, pain and illness in their daily life. Activities include meditation, journals, guided meditation and some yoga through small and large group participation.

AH 740 Tai Chi for Arthritis and Other Related Illnesses

Duration: 18 Weeks (18 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lab 1 Hour

Course Description: This course is designed for the maintenance of the physical and mental well-being of an older adult with arthritis and other related illnesses. Instruction will focus on the postures and movements of Tai Chi, a Chinese exercise regimen that has a slow paced movement that improves balance, coordination, breathing, and builds strength and stamina. Activities are included that promote self-care and health awareness.

AH 741 Body Dynamics & Aging

Duration: 18 Weeks (36 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lecture 2 Hours

Course Description: This course is designed for the 55+ adult students to provide awareness and knowledge of physical fitness, stress management and nutrition to personal health. Discussions will focus on nutrition, sleep disorders, depression, leisure/social activities and chronic conditions that effect the body as aging occurs.

ENGL 750 Creative Writing Workshop for Older Adults

Duration: 18 Weeks (36 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lecture 2 Hours

Course Description: Students develop their writing skills in a peer support group and are guided in creative expression through prose and poetry. Students are encouraged to read their works in class and learn how to respond to writing, guided creative exercises and assignments, sentence and story structure.

ENGL 754 Discover Your Family History

Duration: 15 Weeks (30 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lab 2 Hours

Course Description: This course will assist older adults in the research and writing of their family histories. They will collect names of relatives and establish relationships through primary, secondary and/or circumstantial evidence and/or documentation. Various sources for research including the Internet will be encouraged.

ENGL 755 The Art of Storytelling for Older Adults

Duration: 11 Weeks (22 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lab 2 Hours

Course Description: Bridge the generational gap and learn the ancient time-honored way of sharing cultural values and passing down history from one generation to the next. Storytelling is a valuable way to increase intergenerational understanding and unity and creates an opportunity for children and adults in the community to have their lives enriched by this creative activity. The course will provide training tips and the opportunity for older adults to volunteer their new skills in a community setting.

HUM 767 Film Classics for Older Adults

Duration: 14 Weeks (42 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lab 3 Hours

Course Description: This course is designed to study the fact, fantasy, history and trivia of classic and modern films. The background and history of each film and its performance will be compared and contrasted.

LIB 731 Finding Book Treasures in Literature for Older Adults

Duration: 6 Weeks (18 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lecture 3 Hours

Course Description: Students are guided in the reading of selected quality fiction and nonfiction to promote discussions of theme development, narrative techniques, social context and what makes good writing. Content varies from semester to semester and may include fiction, drama, poetry, essay, and biography. Readings selected may have particular relevance to area residents.

LIB 730 Internet Literacy for Older Adults

Duration: 6 Weeks (18 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lecture 3 Hours

Course Description: Students will learn email techniques, how to find information on their hobbies, news sources, and the fun of browsing online, as well as how best to use the local public library online services, online shopping, search strategies, and interactive games.

MUS 762 The Joy of Listening to Music for Older Adults

Duration: 16 Weeks (32 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lab 2 Hours

Course Description: This course is designed to give older adults the opportunity to study eras, styles, composers and components of music. Listening to music with group discussion is an integral part of the course.

MUS 763 Music Encounters for Older Adults

Duration: 12 Weeks (24 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lecture 2 Hours

Course Description: A course for older adults that provides musical activities to stimulate and sustain auditory function, discernment of sounds and manual dexterity. Students will enjoy music, new and old, by listening, singing, playing and creating music in a group setting.

PE 716 Music, Movement and Wellness for Older Adults

Duration: 18 Weeks (36 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lab 2 Hours

Course Description: This course is designed to assist older adults in improving overall health through movement, music and relaxation techniques. Rhythmical movements will be adjusted to suit individual student mobility needs.

THEA 764 The Theatre Experience for Older Adults

Duration: 12 Weeks (36 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lab 3 Hours

Course Description: This course is designed for older adults to compare, contrast and examine the aspects of live theatre including dramatic structure, theatre production, history and performance. Students will also attend and critique Gavilan theatre performances.

Parenting Courses

Parenting courses include parent cooperative preschools, courses in child growth and development and parent-child relationships. Education in parenting and child rearing skills can have a significant positive effect on family life and can contribute to the development of healthy families and children.

GUID 710 Parent Advocacy

Duration: 6 Weeks (12 hours)

Method of Instruction: Lecture 2 Hours

Course Description: This course is designed to help parents understand the transition from high school to college. Parents will develop techniques on how to better support their college student at home by creating a college going environment and increase potential involvement to enhance academic achievement. Parents will also develop a general understanding of the challenges and obstacles students face on a daily basis.

Short-Term Vocational Programs

Noncredit and adult education programs in vocational education consist of organized educational programs directly related to the preparation of individuals for paid or unpaid employment, additional preparation for a career, upgrading needed skills and retraining for new jobs and careers.